A January move away from Molineux is out of the question, according to Wolverhampton Wanderers manager.

Star performer Bakary Sako will not be sold in January, insists manager Stale Solbakken.

The 24-year-old former French Under-21 winger has been a shining light in a difficult season following his late August switch from St Etienne.

Sako signed a three-year deal and Solbakken is not at all bothered by the scouts from Premier League clubs who have been taking a close eye on his progress.

“It’s something we have to live with – as long as we have television sets, people will look at him,” he said.

When asked if he could lose Sako in the window, Solbakken left supporters in little doubt that unlike Steven Fletcher and Matt Jarvis, this star asset is here to stay.

“No, not at all – that’s out of the question,” he said.

“Supporters shouldn’t be worried about that.

“There are no discussions about that at all.”

Solbakken believes Sako will be best served by learning his education at Molineux.

“He signed a long-term contract and he’s been here for four months,” he said.

“He can only add to his game by staying here.

“He’s shown he’s a matchwinner and that’s important.

“I think if he can keep these periods of play, it’s only going to be good for us and him.”

Sako has scored six goals in 18 League starts after bursting onto the scene in the Capital One Cup at Northampton with a goal in August.

“He seems to get stronger – he doesn’t have that dip like many foreigners, maybe he will, but so far he looks strong,” said Solbakken.

“He’s had some small niggling injuries, but he’s played through them, which is good.

“He has this power about him and he’s played every minute since he’s come here, so he’s coped well with the physical side of things.

“Sometimes you wonder if he’s got pace, but he’s so big that he can fend people off.

“We’ve had discussions about him going that extra time against his man and not be afraid of losing the ball in the last third of the pitch.

“I’ve told him other players will cover for him if he loses the ball. Maybe because he’s been raised in different culture he feels that losing the ball even in that position is not something you do.

“I think it’s an education thing, but he can gamble – he’s allowed to gamble.

“For periods he used to slow it down, but he is learning not to. Players will try mark him out of the game but I think his influence will remain stable because as he’s got his left foot, he will always be dangerous.”